Gospel Reflection for: July 21, 2024
Daily Gospel Reading: Mark 6:30-34 NRSVCE
In this story from the Bible, Jesus and his Apostles had been working hard, teaching people and healing the sick. They were tired and needed to rest. It’s like when you’ve been scrolling through social media for hours, binge-watching your favorite show, or working on a project all day – you get mentally and emotionally drained.
Time for a Break:
Jesus knew his friends needed a break, so he suggested they go to a quiet place to rest. It’s important to take breaks, just like when you log off social media to spend time with your family, turn off your phone to get a good night’s sleep, or step away from your desk to take a walk in nature. We all need time to recharge, and Jesus understood that.
Helping Others When They Need Us:
But before they could get away, a large crowd followed them. They were looking for Jesus because they needed help. Jesus felt sorry for them because they were like lost sheep without a shepherd. Even though he was tired, Jesus chose to help them instead of taking a break.
This is like when you see a friend posting about their struggles online. Even though you might be tired or busy, you choose to reach out to them, offer a listening ear, or share a kind word. It’s about putting the needs of others before our own, even in the digital space.
Showing Kindness:
Jesus showed compassion for the crowd by teaching them and helping them with their problems. He didn’t just feel sorry for them; he did something about it. It’s like when you see someone being cyberbullied and you stand up for them, or when you notice a friend is feeling down and you send them a message of encouragement.
We can show compassion like Jesus by being kind to others online, even when it’s easy to be anonymous and say hurtful things. We can leave positive comments on people’s posts, share uplifting content, or simply be a supportive presence in online communities.
Being a Helper:
The crowd was like sheep without a shepherd, meaning they didn’t have anyone to guide them or look out for them. Jesus stepped in to fill that role, just like a trusted influencer who uses their platform to educate and inspire others.
We can also be helpers in the digital world. We can share our knowledge and expertise, offer support and encouragement to others, and use our online platforms to promote positive messages and make a difference. It could be as simple as sharing a helpful article, starting a conversation about an important issue, or volunteering your skills for a virtual project.
A Prayer for Balance and Kindness:
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for showing us how to care for others, both online and offline. Help us to find the right balance between taking care of ourselves and helping those around us. Give us your heart of compassion, so we can make a difference in the world, one kind act at a time.
Amen.
Conclusion: Learning from Jesus in the Digital Age
Jesus’ example teaches us that it’s important to take care of ourselves and to get enough rest, especially in today’s fast-paced digital world. But it’s also important to be there for others when they need us, even if it means stepping outside our comfort zone or sacrificing some of our own time. By finding the right balance between self-care and compassion, we can live a life that’s both fulfilling and impactful, both online and offline.
May God bless you all, and may His love guide you in every step you take.
Amen.